Here are some pic's that Mike from Chris Craft sent me. I was supprised to see the 260 came with a radar arch as an option.

Looks like about 85

John, Your right on the $$....it's from a 85' brochure. They certanly had some interesting colour scheme's back then,...can you say "Don Johnson called,...he want's his Stinger back"...haha

Some info I got from CC,..makes me think the line of performance boats they produced (stinger/scorpion) were not made by the 'same' CC we know today.

They were not.

There were four versions of the company I think.

1st Christopher Smith Chris Craft
2nd OMC Chris Craft
3rd Murray Chris Craft
4th "current" Chris Craft

Mine is a "Murray" Chris Craft

Don Johnson probably DOES want his Stinger back.

I want MINE back.

Got some info on the new owners,.. Stephen Julius & Stephen Hesse,...they were very sucessful in restoring the Italian Yatch Co. Riva to a highly valued manufacture.

Hopefully they will have the same good fortune with CC.

I also dug up some 'not-so-good' info too...

They (the old CC) were cited in 87' by the Consumer Protection Bureau for building a number of defective models with significant hull problems.

Does anyone on OSO have an 87'?

Just me.

When I asked the VP of CC about it (12/03), he responded:

Dear xxxxxxxxx

We are not aware of any re-occurring quality control problems with the
1987 260 Stinger. And we have never had a problem with the hull. We
used that hull for many years with out any recorded problems. Of course
after 16 years, if the boat has not been properly maintained, then you
may experience problems beyond the manufacturers control.

Unfortunately, there is no one here from the Murray era that is familiar
with the Stingers. Perhaps your best course of action is to contact a
former engineer from Murray Industries. His name is Bob Kxxxxxxx and he
can be reached at (941) xxx xxxx. He may be able to give you some
insight into the quality and construction of the Stingers. He also has
all the hull files for the boats that were built by Murray Industries.
In those hull files will be all the warranty claims that were filed
against each boat. You may be able to check your hull file for any
factory defects that were repaired at the dealership.

Best Regard

Dave Robeysek

When I asked BoatUS consumer affairs about it they said:

Dear Mr. xxxxxxxx,

The BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau has received your request for
information about ‘87 Chris Craft Stinger 260.

Although BoatU.S. does not rate or evaluate boats, motors or
marine-related services, we are able to provide you with information
that's been reported to us by other members.

Our Industry Information files show nothing of any particular interest.
There was a complaint of an ’87 Stinger 312 with structural problems
however that is the closest complaint we could find.

You may find out additional information regarding possible
manufacturer's recalls by calling the U.S. Coast Guard's defect's
hotline, 1-800-368-5647.

In the meantime, we strongly recommend that all used boats and most new
boats be inspected by a marine surveyor who can evaluate the boat for
compliance with manufacturing and safety standards. BoatU.S. maintains
a list of qualified marine surveyors. For a referral, go here:
www.boatus.com/insurance/survey.htm

I hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions,
please give me a call.

Sincerely,

Raymond M. Rose
BoatU.S. Consumer Affairs
880 S Pickett St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-461-2856 (consumer affairs)
703-823-9550 ext. 3080 (voice)
703-461-4674 (fax)
[email protected]

My 260 is an 87 also.The transom is solid and the stringers in the bilge are ok.The only problem I've encountered so far is the floor at the bottom of the steps was rotted out but that was because the underside wasn't fiberglassed.I don't know how you would check the stringers under the cockpit,I guess I'll have to wait til its ready for water and pray its solid.